Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a double major and a double degree?
May I take a culture cluster to fulfill my language requirement?
May I study abroad during the summer to fulfill my foreign language requirement?
How may I be sure I am taking the right courses to fulfill my degree requirments?
What do I have to do to graduate?
What must I do to withdraw or leave for a period of time?
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DOUBLE MAJOR AND A DOUBLE DEGREE?
A double major is a single degree within a single college (e.g. B.A. with a double major in psychology and women's studies or a B.S. in mathematics and computer science). A double degree is two degrees either within a single college or within two different colleges (e.g. B.A. in biology and a B.S. in chemistry or a B.A. in German and a B.S. in engineering). A double major gets one degree, one diploma, with both majors listed on the transcript. The double degrees gets two degrees, two diplomas with both listed on the transcript.
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MAY I TAKE A CULTURE CLUSTER TO FULFILL MY LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT?
If you are in a Bachelor of Arts program, NO. Some Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Music programs also require a foreign language. Check with your academic advisor or stop by the A&S Dean's Office.
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MAY I STUDY ABROAD DURING THE SUMMER TO FULFILL MY FOREIGN LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT?
No, not unless you actually earn language credits in a foreign language. The URI in England program is a Culture Cluster and will not satisfy the Bachelor of Arts language requirement.
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DO THE 300-LEVEL COURSES IN MY MAJOR COUNT TOWARD THE 42 CREDITS OF ADVANCED LEVEL WORK REQUIRED FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE?
Yes. Any course taken at the 300 level or above, whether it is a general education course, a course in your major, or a general elective, will count toward the 42-credit requirement.
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HOW MAY I BE SURE I AM TAKING THE RIGHT COURSES TO FULFILL MY DEGREE REQUIREMENTS?
It is important to be familiar with the catalog that you are following. Academic advisors are available in the department of your major to assist you in planning your academic career. Additiona information and clarification can be obtained inthe Dean's Office.
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When you transfer to Arts and Sciences from University College or another degree-granting college or when you are accepted into Arts and Sciences as a transfer student, the department in which you are majoring will be notified. You need to contact the department secretary to ask who your advisor will be.
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WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO GRADUATE?
Students must file their File for Degree Form (MS Word document) with the Dean's Office to graduate. Deadlines for signing up for graduation are
- October 1 for May graduation
- April 1 for August graduation
- August 1 for December graduation
Students will not graduate if they do not sign up for graduation.
Compliance with these deadlines ensures you will receive an official degree audit prior to the deadline for changing your last semester's schedule in case you have overlooked a requirement.
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MAY I WALK THROUGH THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY IN MAY IF I STILL NEED TO TAKE A FEW COURSES OVER THE SUMMER?
Arts and Sciences students may participate in the May commencement ceremonies if they are graduating in August.
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IS THERE ANY QUICK AND EASY GENERAL REFERENCE THAT WOULD ANSWER QUESTIONS ON THINGS LIKE DEADLINES, INCOMPLETE GRADES, PETITIONING DEGREE REQUIREMENTS, ETC?
Yes. See "Ready Reference to Rhody's Rules, Regulations, and Requirements" on this website or pick up a copy in the Arts and Sciences Dean's Office.
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